[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [Elements of Hindu Iconography](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914) › v3.c19.50 # Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.50 Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.50 - **Language:** English ### [v3.c19.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19.50) The goddess Durgā, as Mahishāsura-marddanī, should have ten hands, according to the \*Śilparatna\*, which describes her further as having three eyes; she should wear on her head a \*jaṭā-makuṭa\* and in it there should be the \*chandra-kalā\* or the digit of the moon. The colour of her body should be like that of the \*atasī\* flower, and the eyes should resemble the \*nilōtpala\* or the blue lily; she should have high breasts and a thin waist and there should be three bends in her body (of the \*tribhaṅga\* variety). In her right hands she should carry the \*triśūla\*, \*khaḍga\*, \*śaktyāyudha\*, \*chakra\*, and a stringed bow; and in the left hands the \*pāśa\*, \*aṅkuśa\*, \*khēṭaka\*, \*paraśu\*, and a bell. At her feet should lie a buffalo with its head cut off and with blood gushing from its neck. From within this neck should be visible the half emerged real \*asura\* bound down by the \*nāga-pāśa\* of the Dēvī. The asura should be made to carry a sword and a shield, although the Dēvī has already plunged her triśūla into his neck and he is bleeding profusely. He should have a terrific look with knitted eye-brows. The right leg of the Dēvī should be placed on the back of her lion and her left leg should touch the buffalo-body of Mahishāsura. (See Pls. CII and CIII.) - [Previous: v3.c19.49](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19.49) - [Next: v3.c19.51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19.51) - [Up: v3.c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19) ## Linked texts (1) - [Śilparatna](https://indike.org/pramana/in.art.silpa.dravida.silparatna) — Śrīkumāra (Śilparatna) 1500, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19.50) · Pramāṇa